ROADAHEAD.COM.AU
18
LIFESTYLE | NEWS
THE ROAD AHEAD JUN/JUL 2014
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY NATHAN TORPEY.
Planet Ark is encouraging Australians to once again
participate in National Tree Day on Sunday, July 27,
and Schools Tree Day on Friday, July 25. Planet Ark
envisages that by connecting with nature, we add value
to our environment and plan for the future. The organisation
is searching for site coordinators from councils, schools, national parks,
guides, scouts, land, nature, care and faith groups who would help plant
and care for their local area. An added benefit to the day is that it allows
participants to engage with the community at large and get outdoors. "Our
research shows that approximately one in three people spend less than
18 minutes per day doing outdoor recreational activities," National Tree
Day Manager Debbie Agnew said. "Australians are spending increasing
amounts of time indoors and National Tree Day is the call-to-action. It's the
perfect opportunity to get people back outside and connected with nature,
and we can show them just how easy it is." Every year more than 200,000
volunteers participate in National Tree Day events at more than 3000 sites
around Australia, adding value to the environment, to their own health and
wellbeing and to the local community. treeday.planetark.org
NATIONAL TREE DAY
BEINIT
BRINGING ICE HOCKEY
DOWN UNDER
After a sell-out tour in 2013, one of the fastest sports in the
world is making the route back to Australia again with an
extended 2014 international hockey series between USA
and Canada. Brisbane will get its first taste of the action on
Saturday, July 19, after missing out on the 2013 series. With
puck speeds reaching upwards of 190km/hour, ice hockey
is set to take Brisbane by storm and with national pride at
stake due to the infamous rivalry between USA and Canada,
fans are in for an icy treat. The teams are amalgamations of
the best players from the National Hockey League and also
feature Australian export and our only international hockey
player, Nathan Walker. Known as 'Stormy', Walker is the only
Australian player to ever score a goal in the American
hockey league. "Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and
Sydney will see their venues transformed
into a temporary 'House of Hockey' with
the installation of a portable NHL spec
ice rink, and no expense will be spared
in providing an authentic American
ice hockey experience," promoter
Craig Douglas said. Both teams
are playing for a very
important cause called
'Stopconcussions,'
an organisation that
drives awareness around
brain injury to both fans and players alike. A portion of the
funds raised through merchandise sales will be shared with
Brain Injury Australia. internationalicehockey.com.au
an everyday hero
David Holleran, a 58-year-old Mundubbera
business man and Guinness world
record holder, is attempting his last,
and one of his biggest feats to date, a
charity marathon run across the Great
Victorian Desert. David gained notoriety
in 1998 when he broke the world
record for the world's largest triathlon,
traversing an astonishing 42km swim,
2000km bicycle ride and 500km run in 17
days, 22 hours and 50 minutes. The record
still stands to this day, yet the anticipation
and desire have never wavered, with Dave
planning on completing his final 700km run
in less than 11 days. If successful, he will accomplish a
26th Guinness World Record and be the only man to have
run all the deserts of Australia. Throughout his 58 years,
Dave has run 60 marathons, 100 ultra-marathons and
raised countless funds for various charities. His latest
desert run sees him raising funds for RACQ Careflight
Rescue. "By donating, you will contribute towards, and
support, a lifesaving 'aeromedical' service." Embarking
this July, David's route starts 270km west of Coober Pedy,
in South Australia and ends 250km east of Laverton,
in Western Australia. If you wish to help out Dave and
his crew, donations can be made to RACQ Careflight
Rescue. careflightgroup.com